Is a medical examination always required for the Employment Pass?
No. MOM states that the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter tells you whether the candidate needs to go for a medical examination after arriving in Singapore. Read the IPA before booking — some candidates do not need one at all.
Why do people say the EP medical is required for passes of six months or more?
That rule comes from a Ministry of Health notice of 1 March 2000, which extended the medical examination requirement to foreigners granted in-principle approval for employment passes of six months' duration or more. It is the origin of the figure. Today, the practical answer is simpler: your IPA states whether an examination is required.
What tests are in the Employment Pass medical examination?
MOH's notice describes the examination as a general physical medical examination, a chest X-ray, and a test for HIV. The definitive list is whatever appears on the medical examination form issued with your IPA — bring it with you and we complete exactly that.
When is the EP medical examination done?
After the candidate arrives in Singapore. MOM's guidance to candidates on arrival is to 'complete any required medical examinations'. The IPA gives you six months to bring the candidate in and get the pass issued.
Who can perform the Employment Pass medical check?
A registered general practitioner in Singapore. The examining doctor completes the medical examination form, which you then upload when getting the pass issued.
What do I upload to MOM when getting the pass issued?
MOM asks for a completed medical examination form — or a medical declaration form — together with the completed declaration form attached to the IPA, and the candidate's passport page showing their date of arrival in Singapore.
What if the candidate's visit pass expires before the medical results are ready?
MOM allows you to extend their Short-Term Visit Pass. Submit the request 7 to 14 days before the STVP expires and upload the doctor's memo stating when the medical results can be collected. MOM's own example: if the STVP expires on 17 February, submit between 4 and 10 February. Overstaying fines may be incurred for a late request.
How long do I have to get the Employment Pass issued?
Six months from the date of in-principle approval. Note this differs from the S Pass, where the IPA gives 60 days.
Is medical insurance required for Employment Pass holders?
No. MOM states that providing medical insurance is not a requirement for employing Employment Pass holders — the requirement applies only to Work Permit and S Pass holders. Many employers still provide cover as part of the employment package.
Does an Employment Pass holder need a Primary Care Plan?
The Primary Care Plan applies to migrant workers staying in dormitories or working in the Construction, Marine shipyard or Process sectors — that is, Work Permit and S Pass holders. It is not part of the Employment Pass process.
Does the candidate need to fast?
No. Fasting is not required.
What should the candidate bring?
Their passport, the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, and the medical examination form issued with it. The examining doctor completes and signs the form.
What happens after the pass is issued?
MOM emails a notification letter, valid for 1 month, which lets the candidate start work and travel while waiting for the pass card. The notification letter also states whether fingerprint and photo registration is required — if so, within 2 weeks, at the Employment Pass Services Centre.
Is the Employment Pass medical examination subsidised?
No. It is not covered by CHAS, Healthier SG or other national subsidy schemes.
